Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!
Thanks for sticking with me guys! Your reviews really help me keep going. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Next is the 'muggle hunting' and some more Slytherins come to play. There is also some references to the Potter Indian origin as well In this chapter, so I hope no one takes offense to it.
Again, reviews and ideas for story plots are always welcome. I hope you enjoy!
You're Among Your Trusted
It was Hogsmeade weekend today and the Great Hall was loud and boisterous. Students all eagerly discussing the first trip of the year. Hermione sat beside Ron and across from Ginny and Neville. Hermione's stomach twisted in anticipation for the day's events. Luna had received a note from Harry at the beginning of the week telling them to go to the Three Broomsticks at two that afternoon. He said there would be a reserved, private room for them.
For her birthday last week, Harry had made a show of sending her a parcel at breakfast that was immediately confiscated by the Headmaster. Hermione and Ron had then been called to the Headmasters office after lunch and were told that the package had been a portkey meant to kidnap them so that Harry could then torture them for information.
Dumbledore had even let them read the letter attached and Hermione had had to bite her tongue to stop the giggles at how over the top it was. It had been in Harry's scratchy writing, and it went on for two pages on how worried and scared he was and how much he knew that if her and Ron were with him it would just be so much better and that if they came to visit him, things would be okay. The pleading and desperation would have been heart wrenching if Hermione hadn't already known that Harry was perfectly fine and living nicely in Voldemort's manor.
Dumbledore had reiterated how crucial it was for them to come to him for any information they had on Harry and the two had dutifully agreed.
This was why Luna received any correspondence Harry tried to send. If it wasn't through Luna then through Snape. Neville or Ron would be called to stay behind after class under the pretense of getting a detention for destroying a potion. That night they would relay the message before continuing on to the detention Snape had still given them.
The start of the school year had been the hardest, now a month later things were settling. All of the students turned to them for confirmation of the Headmasters accusations. Because they were Harry's best friends so they obviously would know whether he had really turned Dark.
Hermione and Ron suffered the worst but Ginny, Neville, and Luna got questioned as well since they had gone to the Ministry at the end of last year. Their position as spies had been dicey for a bit but they had practiced ways to both appease the Headmaster while also dropping seeds of doubt to the students.
"It isn't really hard to believe that Harry would turn Dark, I mean look at his track record," one would start to say, usually Ron or Ginny would take this role. "Parseltongue and that whole Chamber of Secrets nonsense."
"Though, he did slay the Basilisk and save the school," another, typically Luna or Hermione, would innocently say, a fake look of frustration splayed on their features.
"All a ploy. I mean the Headmaster wouldn't have allowed such a Dark monster to live at the school. Right?"
"And then those special privileges. I mean a Quidditch player as a first year? Dark magic for sure."
"Odd that the Headmaster would have allowed such a thing if it was so obvious that an eleven year old was Dark though."
"Well what about the TriWizard Tournament? He had to have been doing Dark Magic, right?"
"The Headmaster would never have allowed it. I mean, the Headmaster wouldn't put his students at risk just for the sake of one. Right?"
"Unless, the Headmaster didn't know?" This would be voiced with the hesitancy of someone unwilling to believe that such a beloved man would ever sacrifice others. Neville usually had this line because coming from the bumbling, shy Gryffindor the seeds of doubt were more believable. "But he's the Headmaster, he'd have to know that one of his students was Dark from the start. Because, Potter has to be Dark, right. Because the Headmaster says so."
The group had this discussion, and other similar variations, so rehearsed that they could recite it in their sleep.
Some people didn't think deeply about their statements and would just accept that Harry was Dark and the Headmaster was right. Others, mostly those in the DA and other Gryffindors, those who had interacted with Harry on a more personal level, would nod but step away with a puzzled look in their eyes and a slight frown forming on their brows. The Slytherins were keeping a particularly close eye on them and it unnerved Hermione. Malfoy and his minions still picked fights with them in the corridors but mostly their looks were suspicious and observant. Hermione knew Harry had interacted with that group a lot before the summer was over. She wondered restlessly about how much they knew about Harry and them. Did they know they still supported Harry? Were they bringing word to Harry about perceived disloyalty? No, Harry wouldn't believe them even if they did. He knew their loyalty and friendship remained with him. He had to.
The four Gryffindors joined Luna and soon the five left Hogwarts to go waste time in Hogsmeade before they would meet with their friend. As the hours passed, the anxious excitement started to build. Hermione could see it in the eyes of the others too. They were all eager to see Harry again. It had been far too long and secret, short, letters just weren't the same.
Hermione missed Harry dearly. He had been one of her first real friends. And his absence was always made the most prominent through the most innocent of moments. It'd be breakfast and Hermione would catch sight of the small empty space between Ron and Neville. Or when Ron and Ginny started up a discussion on the Gryffindor Quidditch team and Harry wouldn't be there to voice his thoughts as Captain. Or they would be huddled around a table in the library and have a glaringly empty chair. The Common Room wasn't as bright without Harry curled up in one of the arm chairs as he scowled at his textbooks or lost again to Ron in chess or cajoled her and Neville to join him, Ron, and Ginny in a game of Exploding Snap. She knew the others felt the ache of his absence as well, Ron and Neville probably most of all because they had to witness his empty bed in the dorm room every morning and night.
"Think we should head to the Three Broomsticks?" Neville finally asked, glancing at his watch. "We are supposed to be there in half an hour. Never hurts to be early."
"Yeah, let's go," Ron agreed, his arm thrown comfortingly around Hermione's shoulder.
Since their return to Hogwarts, Hermione had noticed a definite change in their relationship. Ron had become far more physical with her, almost subconsciously. Squeezing her hand under the table when questions and pressure were growing too much, pressing his leg against hers in the Common Room when she started to feel more stressed and the pain in her chest grew too much, or casually throwing an arm around her when they walked places as though he could be her shield against anything dangerous. Hermione was forever grateful to him for these gestures. And even though he still complained and procrastinated about his homework and still preferred chess and Quidditch to anything academic, Hermione found she couldn't fault him as much for it. Though she still refused to let him copy, admittedly he hadn't asked for that favor in weeks.
"What is the name the room is reserved under?" Ginny wondered as they drew closer to the Three Broomsticks.
"Padfoot," Luna replied airily.
The five entered the Three Broomsticks and the noise temporarily deafened them. Neville and Ron pushed through the crowd to reach the bar where Rosmerta stood with Ginny, Hermione, and Luna following behind them. Rosmerta didn't even bat an eye but simply gestured to the hall tucked in the back near the bathrooms.
"Room Four, I just sent in the glasses of butterbeer with the others," was all she said before her attention was taken by a demanding customer at a booth farther away.
"Others?" Ginny frowned as the group dodged exuberant students and grouchy customers.
"Oh yes, this is a meeting as much as a reunion," Luna said.
Reaching the door with the number four painted on it, Neville gave a quick triple knock before opening it and letting the others file in before he quickly shut it again. "Harry!" Ginny's cry had Hermione stepping out from behind Luna and Ron to see her best friend standing in the room and she joined Ginny in rushing him in a hug.
"Hey guys," Harry chuckled, puffing Hermione's hair out of his mouth. She flushed and attempted to flatten her curls pushing them behind her ear. Ron and Neville gave Harry manly slaps on the back and Luna crushed him in a hug as well. "Grab a seat, Rosmerta got us some butter beer."
"Harry, you know how risky it is to let someone here see you, we can't know everyones loyalties," Hermione scolded.
"I know that Hermione. I didn't order them. They did," Harry retorted with a nod to the other side of the room. Hermione turned to see their audience. The Slytherins of their year already occupied some of the tables and couches of the room. It was an odd room, looking more like a living room or Common Room then a place where business would typically be held. There were four couches, a table with five wooden chairs and a tray of butterbeers, three arm chairs, and a fireplace tucked into the corner
"You look nice Harry," Luna said, claiming a seat next to Tracey Davis and Blaise Zabini, who both eyed her curiously, on one of the couches. Goyle and Crabbe were seated at the table chairs, stiff backed and sullen looking munching on some of the pastries that came with the butterbeer tray. Greengrass and Nott were cuddled on one of the other sofas and Hermione wasn't interested in sharing the couples space. Malfoy and Parkinson occupied another couch, so Hermione, Ginny, and Ron claimed the fourth spare couch and Neville settled himself in one of the arm chairs.
Hermione glanced at her friend as he reclaimed his own armchair. He did look nice, she thought. New clothes, muggle and stylish: dark jeans, leather boots, a collared shirt, and then a leather jacket similar to what she had seen Sirius wear in old pictures completed the look. His lack of glasses and already naturally tanned skin just completed the entire look.
"Going for the bad boy heartthrob vibe?" Ginny snickered and Harry flushed, tugging at his hair nervously. And the movement was so Harry and so common and expected that it soothed some of Hermione's worry at the sight.
"Yes, what's the occasion?" Davis asked.
Hermione eyed the Slytherins warily and couldn't help but notice the appreciative glances the three females were giving her best friend and she had to bite her cheek to hold in her amusement.
"I'm going out to the muggle world tonight," Harry began. "I'll get to that in a minute though. First off, I wanted to introduce everyone to each other."
"We know each other already," Parkinson sniffed and Hermione ground her teeth tightly.
"Like you knew me?" Harry quipped. "Listen, I get that you lot came to me under His orders originally, but I feel that over the last few weeks of summer that we came to a decent understanding. That being said, I hope to continue to work with you and I hope I can trust you to assist me when needed."
"Forming your own Inner Circle?" Blaise asked, his darker skin tightening into a calculated frown.
Hermione shifted uneasily. The alliance isn't temporary, Hermione reminded herself, no matter what Harry says now. This is his chosen path, he is integrating himself with the Dark and the Dark have their own methods for things; a more defined hierarchy. He is your friend and you support him and trust him, she reminded herself. It wasn't a hard reminder, Harry would always have her loyalty and she would never abandon him. Still, it was strange to watch him in this new environment after not seeing him for almost a month.
Already she could see the changes. He looked healthier; filled out and no longer scrawny. And while not exactly relaxed, he seemed more confident and self-assured. He was not the lost, helpless child who constantly ran recklessly into danger to save people. He was a leader. She had seen this side of Harry emerge occasionally throughout their years, usually when they were about to face danger, or when they were entering the Ministry, or he was instructing the DA. This confident, powerful, individual who people admired and looked to for direction, this was her best friend and she couldn't help but look at his changes with pride.
"Not an Inner Circle exactly," Harry countered slowly. "I know your allegiance aligns steadfastly with that of your parents and you will all no doubt continue on to follow Voldemort. As I've said before, this is all temporary," Hermione heard Ron snort softly beside her and noted a few eye rolls around the room on the side of her friends and the Slytherins. She smirked, it seemed only Harry really bought that line. "I'm not going to steal you away or something. However, Voldemort has agreed that seeing as you are all my age, you might be able to start assisting me and my plans before continuing on to help him. Currently his plans and mine are in alignment."
Spoken like a politician, Hermione thought.
"Like I was saying, I hope to consider you all friends and that I can trust you as I trust them," Harry continued nodding to Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna. "Fred and George are included as well, but they weren't able to make it today. Anyway, to get that trust I need you to all work and trust each other. You don't have to be best friends, but I do expect you to get along and put aside past grievances, we are all on the same side and things will go more smoothly if we don't have petty arguments."
"People will get suspicious if we are all suddenly friendly at school," Nott said.
"Oh yeah, I'm not talking about in public," Harry said with a dismissive wave. "But there are ways you can meet secretly," his mischievous grin made Hermione want to smile as well. It was a look the Weasley twins sported when something particularly masterful and wicked was about to occur. "You're all intelligent, I'm sure you can work something out."
There was silence as the two groups eyed each other, only Luna sat perfectly at ease. "Alright, fine, we can work together," Malfoy finally said. "We will agree to put aside our differences and only antagonize you lot in the public hallways for the sake of appearances, if you can agree to the same."
Hermione glanced at Ron, Neville, and Ginny. Luna was already smiling serenely. "Deal," Ron finally said. "I'm sure we can work out an arrangement."
"Now, to make sure this trust thing actually has a chance, I'd like for us each to swear a secrecy oath. Not to disclose any information outside of our group, unless permitted to do so. And don't worry, anything that I ask of you will not counteract Voldemorts' orders. And anything I tell you, I'll probably have also told him."
The Gryffindors and Luna were quick to swear their oaths, the Slytherins agreed after a few minutes of silent debate and were led by Malfoy.
Harry's grin was bright and eager at the sight of the two groups coming together. "Brilliant! I'm glad this is working out. And I don't plan to hold this oath over your heads, so don't worry about it, it's just a little insurance. We will be talking about Voldemort, and mine and his plans. I don't want the potential of that being leaked. Oh, Hermione, before I forget. Your birthday present. I know it's late." Hermione accepted the neatly wrapped package that Harry sent her way with a surprised look. "What you didn't think that portkey I sent on your actual birthday was the real thing, eh? No, Dumbledore would have been suspicious if I hadn't tried to contact you on your birthday, especially since he doesn't think I've made any attempts so far. I had to try something so he wouldn't dismiss you all just yet. We still need him to trust you after all."
"Nice work with the letter by the way," Ron commented with a grin. "Very heart wrenching. I was feeling for you mate." Harry grinned toothily. "Were you channeling your inner First Year Hufflepuff?"
"Thanks, took me a couple tries, I kept laughing and dropping ink blots all over the parchment."
"How did you make the portkey?" Ginny asked as Hermione unwrapped her present. It was prettily wrapped in an almost silky fabric of a shimmering black with a pretty, soft pink cloth holding it together in a bow.
"Voldemort," Harry replied easily, before a frown flitted across his face.
"What's wrong?" Ron asked, picking up on the change. The rest of the group turned their attention back to Harry, Hermione's half unwrapped present untouched in her lap.
Harry huffed. "Nothing, he just pissed me off this morning. I mean the damn bastard cheated and wouldn't even admit it."
"He cheated?" Greengrass repeated slowly.
"Yeah, during our morning run. I've beat him every single morning and then this morning just as I was about to beat the lousy tosser again, I tripped. He didn't even bother to hide his wand after casting the tripping jinx."
Hermione gaped at Harry and knew her astonished sentiments were repeated by everyone else in the room. Harry and Voldemort went on runs together? Harry was ranting about how the Dark Lord cheated to beat him in a race. No, she told herself as her mind started to dive deeper into possible meanings and drawing connections, nope, don't focus on that right now, she cautioned herself and went back to opening her present. Those were thoughts for another day.
"Oh, Harry!" She cried out, drawing attention away from Harry's rant to the gift in her lap. It was a book, obviously a copy and not an original, for it looked old and leatherbound but felt like a smooth new surface against her fingers. She delicately ran her finger over the engraved golden title that was written in runes she couldn't decipher.
"The scarf is for you too," he began, indicating the soft pink cloth that had held the wrappings together. Blinking, Hermione pulled the pink cloth out and smiled delightedly at the sight. Holding it and looking at it more closely, she saw that it was chiffon with faded golden sparkles scattered throughout. "I thought you might like something in addition to a book," he continued.
"Oh I do," she assured him, wrapping the scarf around her neck and marveling at how soft it felt.
"Oh, Hermione, it looks really good on you," Ginny gushed happily at her side. "It really goes well with your tan."
Hermione beamed at Ginny and glanced at Ron who gave a soft smile and nodded, fingering the material lightly. "Beautiful," he said quietly, making her cheeks burn. She saw Greengrass and Parkinson eyeing the scarf in admiration.
"Now, care to explain this book," she said, with a smirk looking down at the book on her lap.
"Ah, yes, I got it from the Potter vaults." The Slytherins now looked more interested in her gift as well, leaning closer to see it. "I visited them recently and found this among others. Admittedly I have the original for myself, but I thought you would appreciate the copy. Not that I don't trust you with the original, I just couldn't risk Dumbledore getting it. It's runes but Indian, I believe based in Hindi mainly."
Hermione found it difficult to breath as she stared at the treasure of a book in her lap. Her fingers itched to open the delicate pages and dive into the new learning.
"Potter, Hindi runes are incredibly complex and heavily guarded," Greengrass commented, her voice even but the envy evident in her eyes. "Hardly anyone out of India knows them. And even then, just their Rune Masters."
"Yeah, well I figured if anyone could make proper use of them Hermione could. I'm interested in learning them too after I finish with the basics."
"How did a Hindi rune book even end up in your vault?" Ginny asked curiously.
"Oh, well you know how the Potters originated from there. Well, apparently they were really big into runes. Inscribed a bunch into the pottery they made, which is what made their pottery pieces the most desired in the world."
"Harry, they created before they inscribed," Luna commented dreamily.
Hermiones' fingers tightened even more on the leatherbound cover. "These could be runes that no one has used in centuries, runes lost to history," Hermione breathed.
"Merlin, Potter," Zabini huffed, his voice breaking the silence that had fallen. "You really know how to give a gift."
Harry gruffly cleared his throat and ducked his head. "Well, I'm glad you enjoy it. Use it well and make sure Dumbledore doesn't get it." Hermione nodded reverently, rewrapping the book back up in the silky, shimmering black cloth and clutched it to her chest.
"Alright, how's the school year? Has Dumbledore let anything slip?" Harry asked, obviously trying to bring the conversation around.
"He's trying to bring me into his office," Neville sighed. "Luckily, I keep coming up with excuses but he's going to insist soon."
"Going to start trying to train and manipulate you into being the new Chosen One?" Nott asked with a sneer.
Harry nodded with a sigh. "Yeah, that's his plan. Snape confirmed it at a meeting before term started. Let him bring you in next time, we need to know what he knows and how he thinks he needs to train you. I'll look into some protective charms and enchantments to keep you safe from any spells he might put you under."
Neville looked nervous but determined and nodded.
"I can help you," Hermione offered. "I can search the Hogwarts library."
"Great. Greengrass, you like researching, do you think you might be able to help?" Harry asked, dragging the Slytherins into the conversation.
Greengrass eyed Harry critically before then looking at Hermione before nodding. "Yes, I believe we will be able to work together."
"How are your lessons?" Ginny asked, pulling the conversation back again.
Harry grimaced and the others snickered. "Rough. Runes aren't too bad, like I said I'm enjoying the basics and I'm looking forward to learning the Hindi ones and Necromancy runes, but Arithmancy is terrible. I'm doing more practical work on Charms and Transfiguration so that's not bad, that was always my strength. Plus, I think Nott and Rowle are too nervous to assign me rolls of parchment to do at the moment." Harry looked rather smug at this statement and Ron and Neville snickered and the teenage Nott flushed and ducked his head slightly into Greengrass's hair.
"What about Defense?" Parkinson asked with a frown. "I would have thought you would continue that line of study."
"Oh I am, Voldemort is teaching me Defense. It's tacked onto our Dueling lessons."
"How is it living with him?" Ginny asked nervously glancing at the Slytherins, who all perked up. "I mean before you had only just started living with him. Now it's been about two months."
Harry sunk deeper into the armchair and his gaze grew distant. "It's not terrible," he finally sighed. "I'm learning a lot and we get on decently for the most part I suppose."
"He's still trying to make you his partner?" Neville asked and Harry nodded, his brow furrowed as his fingers absently picked at the arm of the chair he sat in.
"Will you show us your magic, Harry?" Luna asked suddenly. The Slytherins looked eager at this but Hermione was confused. Harry eyed Luna carefully.
"Why?"
"You are among your trusted," Luna replied. "You shouldn't have to hide or keep it hidden."
"I'm not hiding it, I've just got it under control," Harry replied slowly.
"It's alright, mate," Ron said. "It's actually probably for the best, so we can know what it feels like for the future."
Harry still looked nervous. Ginny sighed. "Honestly, Harry, we know it's Dark. You've said as much to us. And we told you we were fine with it. Now, go on."
With a sigh, Harry nodded and after taking a few breaths, his eyes flickered closed and suddenly Hermione was gasping. The air was thick and heavy; a comforting hug that pressed tightly down, holding her safely in its arms. She couldn't keep her eyes open and her limbs were shaking. It tempted her and called to her, soft whispers of safety and protection if only she would allow it. And she would, how could she not? How could she turn down the offer, the call, the seduction of submitting.
Then it was gone.
The dark warmth that had coated her skin retracted leaving her cold. Clean air burned her lungs and stung her throat as she panted. Slowly she blinked her eyes open, she felt limp, leaning heavily against Ron who was slumped into the couch arm cushion, eyes glazed.
"Bloody hell," Ron gasped.
"Morgana's tits, that was-" Ginny began but unable to finish her description simply flopped back into the cushions.
Harry looked sheepish and his already dark skin darkened even further. Hermione saw the Slytherins blinking dazedly, their eyes glazed over, some had goofy grins and looked utterly relaxed, but they hadn't all turned into boneless dolls which annoyed her.
"How are your spells?" Harry asked suddenly, changing the subject and turning to the Slytherins. "Are you continuing to practice them?"
They all nodded. "Aye, most of us can get them wordlessly now. Vince and Greg and Tracey still struggle but even they have gotten Expelliarmus and Stupefy silently," Malfoy said, his voice had a slight breathless tinge and his eyes were dilated but otherwise he was as unaffected as always.
"Brilliant. I'm glad. Like I said, this winter I'll teach you the Patronus and we will work on more spells. You guys too. I'd like to teach you some of what I'm learning."
Hermione felt a flutter of eager anticipation at the thought of learning and practicing new spells over the holidays. "Sounds great," Neville agreed, his cheeks were still flushed and his eyes were brighter otherwise he seemed to have recovered quickly. "How will we be able to meet up though?"
"Grimmauld will be fixed completely by then," Harry replied. "I'll have Dobby and Kreacher bring you guys there a couple times over break so we can practice and exchange gifts and what not."
"Hey, Harry, what about the DA?" Ron asked. At Harry's confused head tilt, the redhead elaborated. "Should we continue it? I think we are starting to get some of the students on our side and against Dumbledore and we don't want them defenseless. Maybe you could pop by and talk to them to ease any further fears."
Harry looked deep in thought but slowly he nodded. "Yeah, that would work. Start it up again but keep it divided. The cover will be for anyone wanting to learn defense but then the reality will be for those few that you think do believe in me and that we can trust, they can be told more of the truth and maybe in a month or so or after Yule I'll sneak in and talk to them. Are there any that are actually not in Dumbledore's pocket?"
Neville nodded. "Yeah, most of the DA actually, except for the pricks like Smith and Corner. And most of the Gryffindors at least seem uncertain, except again for pricks like McLaggen."
"Really?" Harry asked, surprised. "More than I thought. That's great. Well, keep sorting them out. If they are loyal, maybe get them to swear a secrecy oath?"
"I'll write out the words for the oath, so it's consistent," Hermione replied.
"How was Death, Harry?" Luna asked during a lull of silence. The rest of the group stiffened, Hermione included, while Harry smiled fondly at the blonde Ravenclaw.
"Death was...I don't even know the words to describe it," he began, his eyes distant once more, his head falling back onto the chair headrest. "I was given tasks and Death hinted at future tasks I would receive. One task being that I am to bridge the gap between the Dark and Light, no pressure right?" Harry chuckled derisively. "I also have to start practicing Claiming Souls."
Hermione swallowed hard at this news. "Claiming Souls?" She asked hesitantly. "Does that-" she broke off, uncertain in how to word her question. Harry seemed to take pity on her nerves though and his eyes softened.
"Killing? Yes," he replied softly. "Claiming Souls is essentially killing people. I have to practice the control it takes to take a Life, so I can practice properly Claiming Souls in Deaths' name. There is a difference. Different deaths require different blessings."
"Really? Can you give an example?" Greengrass asked, leaning forward eagerly. "And can I take notes?"
Hermione felt a twinge of jealousy at the blonde witch for having thought to ask that before she could and then at Harry's laugh. You're not the only smart friend, Hermione reminded herself. "Yeah, of course, this is something I don't mind you having for your research." Research? Hermione thought, interest piqued and observed the blonde in a more critical light. What research was the Slytherin conducting? Hermione made a mental note to ask while they worked to research protection enchantments. "Anyway, so say a soldier fighting in a war dies, they receive a Warriors' Blessing to pass them to Death, honoring their bravery and courage. However a total sleazebag scum dies and they don't receive any blessings. Those are the ones I'm to start practicing on. And then say, someone that Death specifically wants me to Claim, they've angered him for whatever reason and he has deemed their Life His, then they get a special Recital. It's just a bunch of words spoken in the Necromancers tongue that will guide their Soul to Death in the most painful and direct way possible. Then there is a Blessing of Innocence which is for young children who can't be saved, it is meant to be soothing and gentle for them to pass on easily."
The only sound was the scratching of Greengrass' quill as she jotted down everything Harry said. Hermione was on the edge of her seat and wished she had a quill and parchment of her own.
"You said you were practicing on scum?" Malfoy said, after a few moments.
Harry nodded. "Yeah, Death told me to practice on those Unworthy of Life first and then once I have control of that I'll probably start practicing actually Claiming Souls properly like children or the sick, and soldiers."
"Unworthy of Life?" Neville asked with a frown. "How do you decide that?"
Harry looked distinctly uncomfortable and picked at the cuff of his leather jacket. "It's not easy," he said slowly, not meeting anyone's eye. "Death said he didn't care about the magical ability of Souls for a start."
"Muggles," Hermione breathed and swallowed hard, her eyes stinging at the thought. She felt Ron's warm hand cover her own. Harry glanced at her and looked particularly wrecked but nodded.
"Yeah, muggles. I'm sorry Hermione. But please, hear me out. It's not like what you think."
She took a shaky breath and tore her gaze away, her heart hurting in her chest. But she nodded jerkily. Harry was her friend. He wouldn't just kill aimlessly. He was Dark but he wasn't evil, she chanted to herself.
"I'm not just going after any muggles. Like I said, I'm going after the despicable ones, child abusers and rapists. That lot aren't Worthy of Life, muggle or magical. It's just easier for me to practice and not panic the Wizarding World if I focus on the muggles now. Plus, wizards are apparently pretty against that kind of abuse anyway."
Another deep breath and Hermione felt the tightness in her chest ease. Of course, how could she have doubted Harry even for a moment. He wasn't a killer and she could see in his eyes that while they were filled with a fiery determination to seek out justice he was still a sixteen year old boy who hated the thought of killing, even if it was for a good reason.
"You're going tonight, yes? That's why you are all dressed up?" Luna questioned, well not even questioned more like stated.
Harry sighed and nodded. "Yeah," he glanced down at his nicer muggle clothes. "I'm going out tonight. I've worked with Madame Bones and she's given me a few names she was able to identify from muggle police records. Voldemort is sending me with a guard too." Harry's sneer was laughable. "He at least let me choose my own and the best part is they have to dress as muggles," Harry added, his sneer dropping and joining in the snickering of Ron, Neville and Ginny.
"Who did you choose?" Zabini asked.
"Hestia and Flora Carrow, Marcus Flint, Adrian Pucey, Cassius Warrington, and Graham Montague."
Hermione didn't know much about them but their names all sounded familiar and nothing pleasant was associated with them.
"The Carrow twins?" Davis asked in surprise. "You're allowing girls in your guard."
"Well why not?" Harry asked with a shrug. "If you can't see, I'm used to having females contributing their ideas and strengths," he said with a nod at Luna, Ginny, and Hermione. "And being much better at it than me. Why wouldn't I ask for them? They volunteered."
"Remember the conversation we had in the summer, Potter," Parkinson asked with a sigh. Harry nodded. "Same reason, Pureblood women aren't meant for that."
"Bloody Dark Ages," Harry muttered. "I mean they are competent aren't they?"
"Oh yeah," Nott replied. "Both are great dualists."
"Great, then that's all I need."
"Who will you have to deliver to Death?" Luna asked, making Hermione and the others raise questioning eyebrows but for Harry to stare in amazement at Luna.
"I really wish I knew how you do that," he murmured.
"What? I thought you were supposed to practice the non-claiming stuff now," Davis said with a frown.
"I am," Harry agreed but he looked edgy and Hermione narrowed her gaze.
"That's just the start," Malfoy said, his own gaze calculating. "There are others that Death wants you to properly claim, those he has requested."
Harry nodded but he didn't duck his head in nerves or shame like he probably would have months earlier. "Who?" Ron asked quietly.
"I won't tell you everyone because I'm not positive if I'm allowed to or not. But you will be glad about one." Hermione leaned forward, desperate to hear the name of the person her best friend would eventually have to kill. Why would they be glad? How could they? "Just a certain pink toad."
"Umbridge!" Ron exclaimed and Harry's grin was more malicious than Hermione remembered. "Bloody hell, yes!"
Even the Slytherins seemed pleased by this news. "Thought you lot liked that bitch," Ginny declared, also having noticed the pleased looks on the snakes.
"Ugh, as if," Parkinson sneered. "She was just a means to an end, doing what she asked kept the Minister off of our parents' backs. She was an idiot."
"And a torturous toad," Neville muttered, a dark look crossing his face.
"Any others, Harry?" Luna asked. Hermione noticed Harry's quick glance at the Slytherins before shaking his head slowly. So there were others, just none that Harry felt comfortable to say in front of the Slytherins. A Death Eater or a couple then, Hermione thought.
"The room reservation is about up," Zabini said suddenly, glancing at his watch.
Harry cursed and checked his own watch. "Yeah, you're right. I've got to be meeting the others before we head out tonight anyway. I have to make sure their outfits will pass muggle scrutiny." Harry stood and everyone else followed his action, though he didn't seem to notice. "I think you might be able to make the last carriage if you hurry. Sorry, I didn't mean to take your whole Hogsmeade trip from you."
"Nonsense," Ginny assured him, going to give him a hug. "Seeing you is far more important than wandering aimlessly."
"Besides, we've been coming here for a few years now. Not much else is interesting," Hermione agreed, stepping up to hug Harry tightly. Her eyes stung. She hated that he couldn't join them for the trip back to the castle. After goodbyes were said, Harry went to the fireplace and took a handful of floo powder. Harry glanced back and Hermione had to grip Ron's arm hard to stop herself from rushing her best friend in another hug. But soon he was engulfed in green flames after shouting out a hissed location. The flames died down and he was gone.
The room descended into silence once more, the Gryffindors and Slytherins awkwardly uncertain now that their one common force was gone. Luna stood between the two groups with a distant smile on her face. Hermione hugged her cloth wrapped book closer to her chest.
Neville glanced at his watch. "We won't make the carriages, so we'll have to walk back."
"We won't be able to walk back in a group like this," Malfoy commented, looking utterly bored with the entire conversation.
"Actually…" Ron trailed off before glancing at Hermione. "There is another way of getting back to the castle where no one would see us."
She blinked at him in surprise. "You really think?" She glanced at the Slytherins once more before looking back at him.
"Harry trusts them," he replied slowly, his lips hovering closer to her ear and she had to fight to keep herself focused on his words. "And they did swear that oath. We are supposed to be making an effort to play nice after all."
Hermione sighed but she knew Ron was right. She nodded and he flashed a quick smile before turning to face the others. Even Ginny and Neville were eyeing them suspiciously.
"We have another way of getting back, it's still a walk but not as much. Interested?"
Ginny gasped, her eyes burning eagerly, catching on two what they were implying. "Yes! Which one?"
"The Shack," Ron replied.
"Why not Hon- the other one?" Hermione asked with a frown, choking on the word after Ron tread softly on her foot. "It's closer."
"Too suspicious," he replied easily. "Well?" He asked turning back to the Slytherins.
"Why are you wanting to share this way with us?" Nott asked.
"You heard Harry. He wants us to get along. Plus, this way is quicker. It'll stay secret because you lot are sworn to it. And this way has already probably been burned by Wormtail."
"Ok, we'll keep quiet about this secret way but no more riddles. What are you talking about?" Davis asked.
Ron sighed. "Fine. There is a secret passage back to Hogwarts via the Shrieking Shack. So here's the plan. We leave first," he said, gesturing to himself, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Luna. "Give it like five or ten minutes and then you leave. We can't be seen together after all. Make your way to the Shack and we'll guide you from there. If you don't meet us in twenty minutes we are going to assume you walked back along the road and be done with it. Good?"
The Slytherins nodded and so Ron jerked his head for the others to follow. Ginny was grinning eagerly. "I've always wanted to go this way," she breathed happily, before slipping out of the room behind Luna.
The five pushed through the crowds to get outside, luckily it wasn't as crowded since all but a few students had left already. The walk to the Shack overview clearing was silent. Once they got to the clearing, they stopped and waited.
"Why didn't you want to tell them about Honeydukes?" Hermione finally asked.
"The Shack has a higher probability of already being burned," Ron replied, eyes on the hills leading back to Hogsmeade. "Yeah, we all swore to protect secrets but still, we don't trust them yet and so no need to give them more information than needed."
"What do you mean, burned?" Ginny asked with a frown.
Ron sighed. "Burned, you know like the secrecy of it is gone."
"Why do you figure that?" Neville asked.
"Because of Wormtail." Hermione stared at Ron blankly and the other three were similar. "Ok, Wormtail worked with Him, so we can be pretty confident that the traitor told all of the secret passageways. It's a pretty safe bet. If that's the case then well, the snakes will learn it when they need to from Him. However, the Shack has a higher likelihood because that's when Wormtail escaped and went back to Him. You can bet that He searched the rats mind pretty thoroughly in regards to that night and so most definitely would have seen the Shack. I don't think Harry will tell Him anything until he admits that this alliance is permanent. So there is a about a ninety-five percent chance that He knows about the Shack and probably like an eighty percent chance of him knowing the other passages."
"Wow, Ron, that was…" Ginny trailed off. "Brilliant deductions."
"It's just strategy," he shrugged. "Know your enemy."
Hermione stared at Ron in astonishment and couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride and awe as she stared. She had always known he was smart, it was why it always frustrated her that he never cared to try, but now it seemed that he was starting to embrace his intelligence, at least in regards to strategy and she had the strangest urge to kiss him. The group fell into silence again and Ron wrapped his arm over her shoulder again and Hermione felt a warmth flicker in the pit of her stomach.
The silence didn't last long. Soon the Slytherins were breaching the hill. Well first it was Crabbe and Goyle before the two turned back to motion the rest to join. "So where is this passageway?" Malfoy asked when the group was together.
"Through the shack," Ron replied with a nod to the Shack. "Come on," he said before he and Hermione climbed the worn-down barrier fence. Ginny, Neville, and Luna were quick to follow.
"That's trespassing," Greengrass spluttered. Hermione and the others turned in surprise.
"Yeah, and?" Ginny asked, with a raised eyebrow. "You planning on reporting us?"
"It's empty inside, no one in there to trespass on," Ron agreed.
"How do you know?" Parkinson asked, shifting nervously.
"Because we've been inside," Hermione replied with a roll of her eyes. "It's not haunted either if that's what you're worried about."
"Look, you either come with us or go back on the main road. We'll meet you back at school," Neville huffed before turning to continue walking closer. Hermione, Ron, and Ginny turned to follow. And Luna skipped out beside them all.
Cursed mutters of 'Bloody Gryffindors' came from behind them but soon the Slytherins were catching up to them. "How do you know it's empty and not haunted?" Zabini asked curiously.
"Again, we've been inside. And the rumors of it being haunted were just rumors," Hermione replied.
"It's where Professor Lupin would hide during the full moon, that's where the howls came from," Ginny continued.
"How did you learn that?" Zabini asked, his attention on Ginny.
"Harry, Ron, and Hermione found it in their Third Year," she replied. "Had this whole confrontation between Professor Lupin, Sirius Black, and the traitor Wormtail. I think Snape showed up for a bit."
"Yeah, didn't stay conscious for long," Ron said with a snicker, Hermione lightly hit him but couldn't stop her giggles at the memory. In hindsight it was humorous how the three of them had all acted as one to knock out their professor, though in the moment she had been terrified.
"That's the night that Harry, Hermione, and Sirius suffered under the dementors and Harry had to fight off the whole hoard," Ginny continued.
"Isn't that the night you guys witnessed Professor Lupin change?" Neville asked, though he was mainly eyeing the stunned Slytherins with a smirk. Hermione knew immediately what he was doing. She knew there were hundreds of stories surrounding Harry and his numerous yearly adventures and that the snakes were curious. This casual referencing not only confirmed stories but it gained them respect, no matter how subconsciously.
She shivered at the memory. "Yeah, he hadn't been able to take the Wolfsbane Potion that night."
Hermione tried not to savor the looks of astonishment too much as they walked. Though the incredulity planted all across Malfoy's face was enjoyable. Soon they reached the Shack and crept inside. It was covered in dust, fur, and broken furniture; claw marks tore at the wooden walls and it smelled musty and old.
"Before we head down, I have a question," Neville said, turning to face the Slytherins who were all eyeing the dilapidated walls with concern. "Why did Harry's magic not affect you like it did us?"
Malfoy eyed Neville before speaking. "It's not the first time we've felt Potter's magic. We felt it a few times over the summer and so were prepared for how it felt and how to handle it."
"We're also more accustomed to the feeling of Dark magic, given our families and who they work for," Nott continued. "If you grew up with being surrounded by it, it wouldn't affect you as much either."
"It still affected you though," Ginny pointed out shrewdly.
Zabini nodded. "No matter how much we've interacted with Dark magic in the past, Potter's is still incredibly strong. Everyone gets affected by it."
Everyone gets affected by it, the words rang in Hermione's mind and she swallowed at the implications. Harry had mentioned he'd been presented to the Death Eaters, that he had attended meetings. That meant the Death Eaters had all felt Harry's magic, probably more than once. She wasn't sure how to feel about that.
"Right, let's keep going," Ron finally said, drawing attention back to the matter at hand and leading the group to the trapdoor in what Hermione assumed was supposed to be a living room equivalent. Opening the door, he paused before turning to Hermione with a childish grin that made her heart stop. "At least it's not a huge drop," he said chuckling and her lips twisted. "And I mean it's not Devils' Snare but do the tree roots still count?"
"And it's good we don't need to worry about keeping the music playing or Fluffy."
"More Gryffindor adventures?" Malfoy sighed, breaking up their moment. Hermione glared at him and Ron sneered.
"Let's just go," Ron huffed. "Hermione you first since you know the root that needs to be pressed to freeze the tree." Hermione nodded and went into the tunnel, followed quickly by Neville and Ginny. Ginny and Hermione lit their wands and soon Zabini was climbing down into the tunnel, followed by Davis and Luna before the rest of the Slytherins went down.
The trek back didn't seem as long this time as her memory claimed it to be and soon, Hermione was peeking her head out and pressing the knot in the root hard. She waited for the branches to freeze before scurrying out of the hole. She crept forward and kept an eye out for anyone on the grounds, while waving for the others to climb out quickly.
Luck was with them though, it seemed the rest of the castle was at dinner and so they met no curious or suspicious glances as to why the Gryffindors and Slytherins were willingly near each other.
"The Whomping Willow," Greengrass hissed, eyes wide.
"Yes, and if you don't move you will be hit by it. The freeze on it will only hold for a few minutes," Hermione snapped, pressing her foot to the knot once again when she saw one of the smaller branches starting to twitch.
Ron grabbed Hermione's hand and ran for the edge of the Willows reach just as the tree started waking up again. They reached the group huddled in the small shadows clinging to the outer wall alcoves. "So, should we meet up again?" Ginny asked hesitantly, eyeing the Slytherins.
"Suppose that is what Potter would want," Malfoy shrugged.
Hermione rolled her eyes. Dancing around the edge of things would get them nowhere. "Look, we'll probably be meeting in the Room of Requirement next weekend after dinner. If you want to join us, join us. Greengrass, at some point we are going to have to collaborate on protection enchantments."
Greengrass nodded. "Next weekend then. We will compare notes then."
Hermione nodded and after a quick glance at the other snakes, tugged Rons' sleeve and turned to leave. Neville and Ginny were quick to follow.
"I'm so glad we're all friends now," Luna commented airily before skipping to catch up with Hermione and the others.